Meeting with the media this week, Clemson defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin discussed the contributions from a trio of talented young linebackers – Jamal Anderson, Dee Crayton and Kobe McCloud.

A redshirt freshman, McCloud has played in five games this year, seeing 51 total snaps on defense over the Charleston Southern, Florida Atlantic and Syracuse games, and seeing action on special teams in the Florida State and Wake Forest games. The 5-foot-10, 225-pounder tallied two tackles (one for loss) vs. CSU before contributing six tackles (1.5 for loss) and his first career forced fumble vs. FAU. He then added two tackles at Syracuse.

Anderson, a true freshman, has appeared in all six games this season. He saw 24 total snaps on defense across the CSU and FAU games and played on special teams in the other four games. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder posted three tackles vs. FAU.

Another true freshman, Crayton has played in two games, logging 36 total snaps between the CSU and FAU contests. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder recorded his first career tackle vs. FAU.

“I love all three of those kids, and they’re made of the right stuff,” Goodwin said. “I just talked to them and challenged them, whatever role that they get, the opportunity to contribute, to take advantage of those opportunities – whether it’s playing special teams, playing a lot of nickel.

“Two linebackers on the field, it’s not a whole lot of opportunity at times for my guys. But whatever role that they get, take advantage of that opportunity, and the snaps will come. Just continue to show up with the right mindset every day, work hard, continue to grow your knowledge base, quarterback the defense, communicate when you’re out there, and just make the most of your opportunity.”

Crayton was ranked by Rivals among the top 10 prospects in the talent-rich state of Georgia coming out of Alpharetta’s Denmark High School, while Anderson — the son of former Utah and Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson — guided Georgia’s Mill Creek High School to a Class 7A state title in 2022. Both Crayton and Anderson enrolled at Clemson back in January.

As for McCloud, he entered this season having played three defensive snaps over two games while redshirting a year ago. The younger brother of former Clemson and current San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, Kobe finished his prep career at Gaither High School (Tampa, Fla.) as the school record holder in career tackles (234) and interceptions (13).

Goodwin is optimistic about what the future holds for McCloud, Anderson and Crayton moving forward this season and beyond in their Clemson careers.

“I think all three of those guys have really bright futures and can contribute going forward,” Goodwin said, “and hopefully we can get them some more linebacker reps as well.”